I Won’t Allow Tampons in My Home After My Daughters Nearly Died From Toxic Shock Syndrome

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A mother from Indiana is sharing her story after nearly losing two of her daughters to a rare and terrifying illness. Two of Javon Johnson’s daughters reportedly contracted toxic shock syndrome from using tampons, and it developed into nearly fatal septic infections. The two young women became ill within a month of each other.

Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, can be life-threatening if not treated right away. Thankfully, Johnson and her daughters took their symptoms seriously and sought medical attention. Now, the mom of six is warning others of the potential dangers associated with a common feminine hygiene product.

Johnson’s older daughter became ill first.

@javonj_6 Both of our girls were diagnosed with sepsis/toxic shock syndrome 30 days apart from each other, and spent over a week in the ICU from super absorbent tampons. #healed #prayerswork #thankyoujesus #toxicshocksyndromeawareness #toxicshocksyndromesurvivor #sepsisawareness #nomoretampons #tampons ♬ Never Would Have Made It - Marvin Sapp

Per the New York Post, Johnson told Kennedy News that her daughter, Devine, 21, became ill in May 2022 shortly after her period. The mother, who lives in Elkhart, told the news outlet Devine had used a “super plus absorbency” tampon and soon began to experience flu-like symptoms.

Her condition reportedly worsened rapidly, and she spent a week in the intensive care unit being treated for sepsis brought on by TSS.

Although it was a terrifying ordeal, Devine recovered, and the family thought the worst was behind them.

In July 2022, another daughter got sick.

Johnson told Kennedy News her 17-year-old daughter, Jaya, became ill after using tampons for the first time during a vacation to Florida. The teen wanted to be able to swim. When she became ill, her mother never thought it could be TSS. Instead, she initially thought Jaya had a heat stroke until her symptoms began to seem familiar.

Johnson took Jaya to the hospital, where she was given ibuprofen and released. She reportedly passed out and ended up back in the hospital after being taken there by ambulance.

“We couldn’t believe this had actually happened to us again. What are the odds?” the mom asked.

The whole thing reportedly seemed surreal to the family.

@javonj_6 #family #siblingscheck #samemomanddad ♬ original sound - Javon

Thankfully, both girls survived, but Johnson said it was terrifying.

“It was a deja vu moment when we got the same diagnosis for [Jaya] just 30 days later,” she told Kennedy News per the Post. “We just got one kid out of the ICU, who is still recovering, and now we’ve got another kid who was about to start this process again, but she looked worse.”

She explained that doctors told her Jaya used a higher absorbency tampon than she needed, which may have led to the bacterial infection.

The tampons reportedly came from the same box.

Johnson revealed to the news outlet that the tampons came from the same box, but her daughters did not wear them overnight. The brand was not identified.

“I didn’t think people would believe it happened to two of my girls within 30 days of each other in the same year. That was unrealistic odds,” she said.

The concerned mother said she no longer keeps tampons in her home. For her family, it isn’t worth the risk.

“Nobody can use them, so we don’t keep them in the house,” she said. “I would just not recommend tampons at all at this point. I advocate to not to use tampons at all as they’re not safe to use.”

The syndrome is very dangerous.

@meetoliviagrace Reply to @dorkofqueens didn’t feel human #tssawareness #toxicshock #tss #toxicshocksyndrome #toxicshocksyndromesurvivor ♬ original sound - Olivia Grace

According to the Cleveland Clinic, TSS will not go away on its own and must be properly treated by medical professionals. TSS can lead to death in 30% to 70% of diagnosed cases. It is essential to know the symptoms.

“Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an overgrowth of two common bacteria. It causes your body to release toxins that can cause organ failure or death. Once thought to be solely related to tampon use, we now know that anyone of any age can get toxic shock syndrome," the Cleveland Clinic notes.

"The main symptoms of TSS are sudden fever, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea and low blood pressure. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have any signs of toxic shock syndrome. TSS requires prompt treatment with antibiotics, fluids and medication for the best outcomes."